Arthritis is a forgotten public health issue – the government must act now

Patricia Stapleton, Senior Policy Manager | Arthritis UK

4 min read1 hr Partner content

Arthritis is a leading cause of pain and disability affecting more than ten million people in the UK, yet successive governments have failed to act leaving millions waiting far too long for diagnosis and treatment.

Whilst Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his new look cabinet will face no shortages of health challenges to contend with, the case for transforming how we approach arthritis and other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions is clear. A continued failure to do so would risk letting down millions of people now while storing up problems for the future. Arthritis and MSK conditions are common and can affect anyone at any age, from children to working age adults and older people. It’s estimated that one in three people are living with a musculoskeletal condition. They can have a major impact on people’s quality of life, limiting independence, restricting everyday activities and keeping people out of work.

Adults with chronic MSK conditions have more than three times the odds of reporting poor health,ⁱand recent stats show that people in England with a long-term MSK condition were 50% more likely to report a mental health condition than those without.ⁱⁱ

Despite all the evidence, government interventions to date have been fragmented and ad hoc.

The impact on people and the economy

There are many different types of arthritis and many people live with other long-term conditions alongside it, such as type 2 diabetes or depression needing holistic, tailored care. Arthritis symptoms can fluctuate leaving people experiencing varying levels of pain, stiffness and fatigue which they often feel they have little control over.

Yet long waits for diagnosis remain common, and treatment is often sub par, particularly for osteoarthritis.

The pain of living with arthritis is considerable. Arthritis UK research surveyed almost 8,000 people, with 60 per cent reporting to have lived in pain most or all of the time because of their arthritis. ⁱⁱⁱ

MSK conditions are among the leading causes of sickness absence and economic inactivity, accounting for an estimated 26.5 million lost working days in the UK in 2024 alone. Much of this burden could be prevented or reduced through early intervention, physical activity and integrated care.

Where the system is falling short

Unacceptable waits for joint replacement surgery: people with MSK conditions make up the largest group on elective surgery waiting lists. Although the UK Government met its overall March 2026 target for elective waiting times, orthopaedic patients remain far from that standard: in May 2026, 40% had still waited longer than 18 weeks. Many are waiting for life-changing joint replacement surgery due to osteoarthritis.
Pain isn’t taken seriously – pain services are inadequate, and access to MSK clinics is a postcode lottery. If you’re living with severe pain, it has a huge impact on your mental health.
Insufficient workplace support that does not meet individual needs forces many people to leave or change jobs, or retire early, often without full pension contributions putting them at greater risk of poverty in later life.
Exclusion of MSK from national frameworks: MSK conditions are absent from the Neighbourhood Health Framework, which is a missed opportunity. Prioritising MSK aligns with the 10-Year Health Plan and supports the shift to digital, preventive and community-based care.

What needs to change

People with arthritis need a clear and timely diagnosis, support while they wait for treatment or surgery, and access to high-quality community rehabilitation. They should have access to employment support that enables them to remain in work for as long as they choose, alongside broader preventive services like weight management, mental health support, and smoking cessation services.

Training is needed for healthcare professionals, employers, and Jobcentre staff so they can better support people with arthritis and their individual needs.

This is a growing public health crisis. Urgent action is needed. The government must develop a cross-cutting strategy for arthritis and musculoskeletal health that looks beyond healthcare alone. It should bring together departments across government working alongside patients, clinicians, local government and voluntary sector partners to improve the lives of millions of people.

People with arthritis have waited long enough. The new government has an opportunity to change course. We stand ready to work with the new government to develop and deliver that plan.

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